Businessman takes on solo South Pole ski challenge

Sep 22

2 min read

Former Royal Green Jacket Ian Hughes is embarking on a ski expedition to the South Pole, aiming to raise £100,000 for the Always a Rifleman Programme (AARP).

The charity helps serving and former servicemen and their families, providing connection, friendship and vital help for those living with PTSD, depression and hidden conflict wounds. Last year, The Queen, Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles, became the first Patron of The Rifleman’s Association, which oversees the AARP.

This November, Ian, who is the chief operating officer for energy solutions business OEG's subsea division, will set out on an unsupported 730 mile (911km) ski to the South Pole, hauling a 115kg sled for 10 hours a day in minus 10 - 45°C temperatures, spending up to 60 days alone, including his birthday, Christmas and New Year as he travels across the Antarctic Plateau on the ice.

The South Pole challenge marks the key hurdle in the Explorers Grand Slam, which involves climbing the highest peak on every continent as well as reaching both Poles. Only seven Brits have achieved it, and Ian, at almost 57 years old, will be the eldest to attempt the feat.

He said: “PTSD and depression affect thousands of veterans in the UK every year and many suffer in silence due to the stigma. Every climb, every step is a chance to raise awareness of the challenges they face, and I hope my journey will spark deeper conversations about mental health in the armed forces. As well as honouring all those veterans we have lost, all funds raised will go towards treatment and outreach for those who are suffering.”

Ian has built two multi-million-pound subsea businesses, including Hughes Subsea, acquired in 2021 by OEG, which opened an office in Edinburgh earlier this year. OEG has committed to £10,000 sponsorship of the expedition.

Despite having 30 plus years’ experience in extreme environments in the military, deep-sea diving and exploration, Ian said this is his biggest challenge yet:

“As a deep-sea diver, you spend many days in isolation in conditions where you can’t see what’s right on front of you but being alone for 50 days without seeing a living soul will be mentally tough. The Antarctic storms and winds can drop the temperature to below -50, so protecting even the smallest areas of skin from exposure will be an ongoing battle and the physical exertion of pulling a 115kg sled will put huge demands on my body.”

Colonel Commandant of The Rifles, General Sir Tom Copinger-Symes, KCB, CBE said: “Ian Hughes has already conquered the challenges that many of us could only dream of.

“His Herculean effort to complete the Explorers Grand Slam is inspiring and humbling in equal measure. We wish him all the best.”

Antarctic Rifleman - GiveWheel